Can Kids Eat Fruits Only and No Vegetables?

Perhaps you’ve heard that it’s alright if you don’t eat vegetables, because you can get everything you need from fruits.  Sounds great, right?

Unfortunately, this is too good to be true.  While fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for good health, they do not provide everything that you need in a balanced diet need. Vegetables are also an important source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they offer a wide range of benefits that fruits alone cannot provide.

One of the key nutrients that vegetables provide is potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain healthy heart function.  Potassium is found in white potatoes, sweet potatoes and avocados.  For those looking for alternative sources, Vitaminis Gut Health has as much potassium as 10 bananas, which contributes to its gut health benefits, including regularity, microbiome diversity and reduced inflammation.

Magnesium is another nutrient that is found in vegetables like spinach, swiss chard and pumpkin seeds, but is not found in fruits.  Magnesium is important for bone health, energy production, nerve function and a healthy immune system.  Luckily for those that do not like leafy greens, Vitaminis Immune Support is rich in Magnesium, with as much in each bottle as five cups of spinach!

Another important benefit of vegetables is that they are often low in calories and high in fiber. This means that they can help children to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity, which is a growing problem among children in many countries.  Vitaminis Gut Health is another great source of fiber.  Each bottle contains 5 grams, which is as much as a cup of broccoli.

Studies have shown that those who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have a reduced risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. In addition, they are more likely to have healthy teeth and gums, better cognitive function, and improved overall health.

So, can you get all of your nutritional needs met with fruits only and not vegetables? The answer is no. While fruits are an important source of many essential nutrients, they do not provide everything needed for optimal health. Vegetables offer a wide range of benefits that fruits alone cannot provide, and they are an essential part of a healthy diet for children.  For those who are not keen on vegetable sources, Vitaminis is a tasty and convenient alternative.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). How Many Fruits and Vegetables Do You Need? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/fruits_vegetables.html

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). Vegetables and Fruits: Get Plenty Every Day. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/

U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2015). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov/our-work/food-nutrition/2015-2020-dietary-guidelines